The six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will enjoy unprecedented investment in industrial projects as the region benefits from an abundance of cheap energy and labour, according to the Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (Goic).

A new study from the Doha-based group has revealed that huge investment in medium and heavy industry has already served to boost manufacturing output and employment.

Emirates Business reports that the group predicts that the non-oil manufacturing sector is set to become the region's second most important asset after the oil and gas industry.

"This is because this sector enjoys more advantages over other sectors given the high feasibility of such projects, the abundance of cheaper labour and energy, and availability of long-term funding," said Goic.

Heightened investment is also likely to strengthen training and development frameworks in the oil and gas industry and other industrial sectors as demand for skilled workers grows.

Last year, Goic authored a report outlining a long-term strategy for development of human capital in the GCC region which called for heavy investment in sectors such as petrochemicals, utilities and energy and environmental technologies.

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